The meat was shipped to distribution centers in twelve states, including Maryland and Delaware, in three-pound chubs, were produced on Aug. 23 and bore a label stating a "BEST BEFORE OR FREEZE BY" date of "SEP 12 2011".

Ohio public health officials reported possible E. coli contamination between Sept. 9 and Sept. 11. According to the USDA, "E. coli O157:H7 is a bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure." Elderly people, the very young and those with compromised immune systems would be the most vulnerable.